Acquired Objects

Snow Day!

2012-03-01T05:50:00.000-08:00

Old man winter has finally decided to show up this year andhe waited until March 1^st! We already have six inches of snow downwith up to ten more inches coming. I have to admit I’ve missed seeing the snowthis year but all at once…really?

Trust me I know how fortunate I am to live where I do, theair is clean, the beauty breath taking and this is just outside our kitchenwindow.

I dashed out to the front porch to snap these loveliesfeasting, a Common Flicker and….

Mister Cardinal…..

Who suddenly got camera shy!

A typical morning chat over coffee around here…..

This little guy didn’t stay in his polka dot coat for longand wasn’t at all sure about his first snowfall.

Instead he grew his own coat and loves the snow.

There’s no getting this bear inside during a good snowfall. Trust me he's all hair and that coat is going to start falling out all over our house soon but that's life with a Golden and I wouldn't trade it for anything!

I hope everyone is having a beautiful day!

~Debra~

Home away from Home

2012-02-26T12:40:00.000-08:00

Sorry I’ve been so quiet post wise the last two weeks butwork has kept me hopping, the hardships of owning your own business huh? Sometimes as much as I don’t like it my blog has totake a backseat to life. I’m here now and ready to show you something everyman needs…a space of his own.

This image shows the backside of our carriage barn before werenovated. The lower part is mister man’s workshop and as you can see it had alot of water damage along one wall not to mention it had one tiny window forlight.

It was a drafty dank and dark little place with one light bulb but myman was still able to carry on with woodworking projects.

This is how it looks today all finished except for thefloor, he hasn’t decided what kind of flooring he wants yet. The walls and ceiling were covered in a wide tongue andgroove board and left natural. The only originalwall is that back wall and it had to stay it’s twelve feet thick with bouldersand holds the mountain back on the outside. Every once in a while mister manhas a chipmunk that pops out of the wall for a tasty treat of sunflower seeds.

Mister man has a nice doublewide window for natural lightand since he built the other outside stonewalls from Belgium block he’sguaranteed to stay high and dry.

Guess what he’s working on right now?

Mister man’s workshop is also the perfect haven for allthose little things that are never making it across the threshold into ourhome. This little gem is something he and Dylan dog found on a hike in the deepwoods one-day, half a moose jaw bone with teeth still in it. Do men ever growup and stop bring things like this home?

He found a pair of deer antlers, doesn’t get more real thenthese. He also found this outhouse seat at Brimfield that has a place for Dad,Mom and child. Mister man thought we could hang it in our bathroom…NOT!

He has a place for everything including this football helmet hewon in third grade. We’ll ignore the fact he’s a few decades older and hasgrown a bit and will never get his helmet on his head again!

Mister man is always working on several projects at oncemainly due to the weather. These pieces are for the last three screens he’smaking for the windows on our home.

Some of the screens mister man has made. The screens had tobe made since we have a antique house and the windows aren’t standard size. Thescreening we used is bronze and will patina down to a nice deep dark shade.

Anyway remember the pedestals mister man made for me lastsummer…..

Well he’s finishing up a smaller second pair to use up in mystudio. Trust me there is nothing like having a handy husband about!

I hope you all have a wonderful week and enjoy life to itsfullest!

~Debra~

Come on Spring I have work to do!

2012-02-12T13:41:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I showed you a post where Dylan dog and Ifound an old stone to use in the patio for my secret garden here. Well today wasmoving day for that old stone and I couldn’t be more excited!!! While the daylooked gorgeous it was absolutely freezing out with blowing winds. The cold makesthe ground harder and since this 300-400 pound stone had to be wheeled a wayshard ground is better then mud.

Dylan and I found the stone in our old barn area out nearthe middle. We call this area the old barn area because a barn used to sit ontop of the stonewalls. The barn unfortunately was struck by lightening andburned to the ground in 1900. Mister man has brush piles in there now waitingto be burned and then we’re going to have the area graded for more lawn andtrees. Mister man had to really work to get that stone lifted up out of thefrozen ground and into a wheelbarrow…I was along for moral support…;)

Once mister man wrestled that stone into the wheelbarrowthen came the hard work of wheeling that beast uphill. It had to go out the farside of the barn because of the opening in the stonewall. You can see theopening on the far left side of the picture. It had to go all the way aroundthe barn area and when something weighs 300-400 pounds it gets heavy.

At least mister man had a scenic route and he had me alongto cheer him on. I was like a dog with a bone so excited about moving thatstone up leading and cheering my man on! Hey its not like I was able to move the wheelbarrow.

Almost there and see it is a pretty trip. This is about where I stopped cheering since I was getting dirty looks and someone was starting to struggle a bit.

This view is behind the carriage barn where my secret garden is going. Out yonder is the old barn area hopefully you get the idea of how far that stone had to come.

The stone has two straight sides and will make a perfectcorner. It’s much wider then we thought but that’s ok mister man is very goodabout making things work. I’m so excited it’s almost in its new home!

The other piece of exciting news is gates! You see theclosest tree there on your right and then you travel straight across the there’sa short stonewall on the left…well I bought or am purchasing a pair of gatesfrom Mona over at providence ltd to go there. The gates will be the entrance to my secretgarden and will sit at the top of a small hill. We’ll be putting in stone stepsleading up to the gates.

The gates look fabulous and just my style simple but elegantand the best part is I think you’ll be able to see them from the road. If you’venever visited Mona’s shop you’re missing a real treat. I’ve purchased severalitems from her and couldn’t be more happy with everything.

One thing I will need to do is build up this small retainingwall and I say me because I actually can build too I just can’t lift 300pounds.

Finding stones to beef up that wall won’t be a problembecause they’re everywhere in our soil, almost like we grow them in NewHampshire. All you really need to do is look down and there they are ripe forthe picking.

So how about you any projects you’re waiting on nicerweather to get started on?

Enjoy your week everyone!

~Debra~

Everything Old is New Again!

2012-02-06T11:33:00.000-08:00

Elle Decor, December 2011

Now for something near and dear to me TEXTILES! Have you ever come across a fabric design that somehow justlooks old? Well chances are it is and lately I’ve been seeing a lot of oldpatterns rediscovered and modernized for today’s fabric lines. The velvet on thedining room chairs above is such a fabric taken from a 300 year old Turkish Ottomandesign. The flowers in the middle of the backs are stylized carnations and symbolizethe heavenly gardens of paradise.

Velvet yastik, Turkey, 16-17th Century

Last year House Beautiful featured new fabrics that arecoming out with ancient Ottoman designs.

Silk velvet fabric, Falk Manor by Scalamandre

Scalamandre one of the America’s leading fabric producershas one of the largest textile archives in the world spanning severalcenturies and even has their own museum for them. One of the fabrics theyproduce is the one above they call Falk Manor. Fortuny even used this patternin the 1920’s and called it his climbing leaf motif, taken from a 15^thcentury Italian renaissance design. (Yes, the pillows below are mine and forsale if you’re interested)

My image of Fortuny pillows

Traditional Home, November 2011

See the chair with its back almost to us with the blue cutvelvet on it that design was taken from the 15^th century as well.While my fragment below is on a linen ground I’m guessing the fabric on thechair has a cotton ground for more strength, linen stretches. My fragment hasthe silk velvet outlined in a tiny metal cord something that would be to costlytoday let alone the comfort factor.

My Image

Traditional Home, November 2011

I tried to see if I could get that chair closer so you couldsee the fabric, trust me it’s to die for but I wish I knew who made it…does anyoneknow?

Even Diane von Furstenberg is using 17^th century Italiandesigns for her line of rugs. Designers don’t copy the designs of anythingexactly no matter how old since copyright laws still come into play and younever know who might own a certain design. It’s simple enough to get around allyou really have to do is change a dime size part of the design and it’sconsidered new.

Italian, 17th century design

I could show you this stuff all day long since it’s mypassion but I need to get back to work. It’s amazing how many old patterns Isee everyday in new designs. Like they say: “everything old is new again”!

XXX

~Debra~

The Past comes Home....

2012-01-30T11:48:00.000-08:00

I received a somewhat startling box in the mail recently, Isay startling because it was a blast from the past. Even though I’m barely 51years young my family is gone having followed each other in just under threeyears time. So it was with shock, melancholy, a few tears and laughter I dugthrough my box.

My parents divorced when I was ten so I didn’t realize therewere still any pictures of them together. Yep, this is my Mom and Dadlooking happy and way, way to young to have just been married in 1955. I say way toyoung because my Mom was 17 and my Dad was 20, they looked so happy and thesterling frame is in fabulous condition.

The guy on the left is my Dad's Dad, my Grandpa Lester my Grandma, hiswife, had passed three years prior. The very young and hip looking woman on theright is my Mom’s Mom, my Grandma Dorothy. We won’t go into her marital statusbut lets just say she enjoy men and married over and over and over again. (Why is it I don’t remember my Dad havingdumbo ears….wholly cow someone should have stapled those things down!)

There’s Dear ole Dad and judging by his ears they must havestapled those bad boys back at some point. (Or else his neck falling down yanked them back.) How do you like those pants andwhite shoes? This picture must be from the 70’s and boy did my Dad sport thatflat top a long time. I don’t think I ever recall him having a differenthairstyle.

A year after my parents married along came my brother Jeffand looking at his picture from when he was 10 the ear thing ran with the malesin our family. (Thankfully my ears layback very nicely thank you.) My brother wasonly three years older than me but at 48 an embolism took him suddenly. You just never know when your number is up so enjoy each day.

There was a small packet that turned out to be a bunch ofletters written in the sixties from my Grandpa Lester to his new wife. Cute hecalled Geneva his little half and that’s why I could only bring myself to readone letter. There was this feeling of being voyeuristic and I couldn’t bringmyself to go there.

Oddly enough with fifty or so letters only a few had beenopen. They wrote each other back and forth but odd they never opened theletters.

I never met my Dad’s Grandparents, my great grandparents butnow I have a piece of them, their silverware. It’s mostly all there and silverplate but it’s still pretty. I hope once I go through rest of the pictures Ifind a picture of my great-grandparents, wouldn’t that be a hoot. Nothing like havingfour generations come knocking at your door huh? Have you had any surpriseslately from your past?

I hope you all enjoy your week!

~Debra~

I'm Back and Thank You!

2012-01-22T13:06:00.000-08:00

Sorry I’ve been so quiet the past week or so but Mister Manfelt the need to share his cold from H-E-L-L germs with me and I’ve been layinglow mainly because I didn’t have a functioning brain cell. I’m hoping it’s onits way out of my system so I can get back to my life and blogging.

During the holiday Season I was lucky enough to win not onebut two fabulous giveaways. The first a beautiful book from Trinidad, Martin and Johanover at Atelier de Campagne Antiques from the French magazine Jeanne d’ArcLiving called French Atmospheres.

If you haven’t seen this book yet don’t wait rush and find acopy on the Internet, sorry I looked and it isn’t available on Amazon. It’sfilled with beautiful French images sure to make your heart swoon. Thank you guys I love the book!!!

The Second giveaway I won was a fabulous French giveawaywith not one but four treats! Carolineover at Boho Farm and Home blog is always hard at work around her urban farm and if you’ve nevervisited her do so you’re in for a treat.

Two of the items she sent along was Boho Farm Rose Jellymade by Caroline from her very own tea roses and is all organic …love that. Ieven tried it on my pancakes this morning and if Caroline shares this jelly mayI say BUY SOME! The second item in my box was some Kusmi Christmas Tea and I’vebeen drinking that all last week thanks to my bad cold.

Another item in my box was a French Azure Urn Tea Towel,nice and big and in my colors since I use green in my kitchen as the onlyaccent color.

Last but not least was this fabulous book by Kathryn Irelandcalled Summers in France. She has a wonderful laid-backway of styling beautiful things and it’s full of helpful tips. Reading andlooking at the pictures in this book makes me want to own my own home in theFrench countryside. Thank you Caroline I truly do appreciate everything you sent!

Now I need to ask for your HELP!

I wantedo let you know that blogger seems to be acting up here and there and I’ve been unable to leave comments for some of you. I’ve tried over and over and the screen goes white and doesn’t come back on. So if anyone else is having this problem and knows how to fix it I would appreciate the heads up.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week and stay well!

Debra~

As old as time....Stonework

2012-01-08T12:31:00.000-08:00

Book: The French Cat

Have you ever admired stones from afar whether they weresteps or some intricately worked structure and wish you could incorporate thatfeature into your garden?

Veranda, August 2009

Hoping against hope those ancient stones lead to a place ofbeauty all your own?

Michael Trapp

A secret garden not typically meant for viewing by others.....

Country French 2011

Book: The French Cat

Traditional Home Magazine October 2009

A place to sit and relax and enjoy the sounds of the peacearound and within you?

Southern Accents, 2004

Veranda

I’m very fortunate to have such a place, a world to call myown where I can enjoy Mother Nature and a glass of wine but first it needs some dressing.

My image of our carriage barn

I asked for stones for Christmas and Mister Man was kindenough to search them out for me. Beautiful rough-cut slabs of granite stonesperfect for steps that will lead up and around to our secret garden. See thatsmall hill going up and around the carriage barn? That’s where we’ll startplacing 6-7 foot long stones weighing in at over a thousand pounds a piece forsteps.

Some of our stones

My image

Around back I’ve already place a plinth and antique urn. Oursecret garden will overlook our back yard which is lower and surrounded by old stonewallsthat hold the earth back. Our carriage barn is built into the side of the mountain that's why the height difference.

My image

The stone steps will lead up and around to this area oursecret garden, it isn’t much to look at now but just you wait……

My image

That cut out area is where Mister Man is going to install astone patio off the French doors. The patio will also be made up of thickgranite stones and just the other day when Dylan dog and I were out muckingaround we came upon a perfect stone for our patio…don’t worry it’s on ourproperty.

My image

It’s perfect covered in moss but since a small single stonesuch as this weighs 300 pounds Dylan dog and I left it for Mister Man to haularound for the patio.

Book: Italian Rustic

When our patio is finished it’ll look like this image and we’llplace moss in the cracks. We’re going to turn our secret garden into somethinga bit old world European with everything in shades of green. I hope you staytune to watch our journey.

Do any of you have stone features that you could share a tipor two with Mister Man and myself, we would love to hear.

Guest Post & I'm a DITZ!

2012-01-06T12:46:00.000-08:00

Jean-Loup Daraux

Unbelievable I’m guest posting today over at Tina’s place The Enchanted Home andI had this post scheduled to go up tomorrow instead of today…opppsss! Mybad! Anyway go on over and have a look-see and if you have a big room this isfor you. Tell Tina the Ditz sent you! Ifyou find this post on Saturday just click here to go have a look.

I hope everyone is having a great start to this New Year!

Bright New Year!

2011-12-31T04:31:00.000-08:00

It’s been apure joy getting to not only read fabulous blogs but to also get to know eachone of you. You each bring creativeness and vision with warmth from your heart…..

You brightenmy days and for that I thank you…..

Wishing allof you the very Happiest and Brightest of New Years and may all your dreamscome true…..

Happy 2012 myFriends!

Awards Time! Passing them along.....

2011-12-29T11:36:00.000-08:00

I feel so honored everyone has been so kind in giving me awards, notjust one but two, Blog on fire and Liebster award. Blog on fire came to me fromMaureen over at Eclectic Revisited and the rules for accepting this award are:

List 5 things about yourself and pass the award onto 5 others. Ok youasked for it because you already know so much about me from my blog. I askedmister man to help me think of something but he was absolutely NO HELP! So herewe go….

1) Mister man likes to call me “picky but patient” because I’llwait for something I want for like forever! Dining room chairs I waited 20years…seriously, I couldn’t find what I really liked. I just know whensomething is right when I see it and I don’t mind waiting no matter how long.

2) I’m a vault when it comes to secrets. You tell me somethingand it’s a secret I won’t mutter a word to a soul.

3) I love to teach others about my work and textiles so if you’reup for learning I’m here.

4) I drive a truck and his name is Bubba and it’s a standard.Driving bores me so I need something that makes me work. Living in the countrya truck is invaluable for hauling stuff around our property and it comes in veryhandy at antique shows too.

5) I pretty much have the luxury of not knowing what day of theweek it is or the time. I sleep when tired, eat when hungry and work prettymuch when I’m not hiking with Dylan dog. Half the time I don’t know what day ofthe week it is but it really doesn’t matter!

So I need to pass this wonderful award along to five people and whileeveryone is deserving I can only pick five so they are:

Karin at la Pouyette

Tina at The Enchanted Home

Andie at Divine Theatre

Sharon at fashion-isha

Desiree at Decor de Provence

ThankfullyI don’t have to think of more things to bore you with about myself I just haveto pass this award along to five lucky and very deserving people. This lovely award came to me from Allumer Decor

TheLiebster Blog Award is given to up-and-coming bloggers.

Liebster is a German word meaning "dear, or valued, from the verb -lieber-to love".

To keepthis award going, each recipient must recognize five deserving blogs who haveless than two-hundred followers.

here arethe rules . .
1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to their blog.
2. Choose five new blogs to nominate and let them know by leaving a comment.
3. Request that the chosen blogs pass the Award on to their favorite five.

4. Copy andpaste the award on your blog post.

So my picks for this award goes to:

Elizabeth at Pinecones and Acorn
John at Wilson Kelsey Design
Amy at Amy Howard Daily

Keri at Ivy Clad

Kristi at Simple Everyday Glamour

And there we have it ten lucky award recipients and I hope when you have time you'll stop over and give all of these beautiful blogs a look see because I know you'll just love them!

Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukah Everyone!

2011-12-24T12:52:00.000-08:00

From our home to yours, wishing each and every one of you myfriends a very

Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukah!

I hope your Holiday Season is Bright!

With Much Love!

Rick, Debra & Dylan Dog

There's a kind of hush.....

2011-12-18T12:39:00.000-08:00

Atlanta Home & Lifestyles

The holiday season is fully upon us and I know most of youhave already finished decorating for the season. Because mister man and I usefresh greens everywhere in a home that has a wood stove and fireplace going theycan really dry the air out. Because of that we like to decorate a week before Christmasinsuring everything stays fresh and green.

Suzanne Kasler

While I like the look of big splashes of Christmaseverywhere time is usually a game changer for us to keep things simple and lowkey.

Southern Accents, 2004

(Decorated with winterberry, greens and tiny boxwood on the mantle)

To bring the simple beauty of the outdoors in….

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, 2010

(A Charlie Brown tree needs love too!)

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, 2011

(What could be simpler then two evergreens in urns!)

When you’re surrounded by a forest as far asthe eye can see that’s easier to do.

Southern Accents, 2004

(Fresh winterberry and branches, we have those!)

It’s a good thing too since the place we usually go cut ourtree down has only replanted their fields and the trees won’t be readyfor at least a decade. So Mister Man came up with the idea to go into ourforest and see what we could find.

My image

I was a little skeptical but along the way we foundpinecones, winterberry and branches to decorate. And then we found him theperfect little tree hidden among some great pines.

My image

We brought our tree home and planted him up in an antiqueurn. The burlap will keep his dirt in place so after Christmas we can take ourlittle tree back outside and put him back in the ground.

Southern Accents, 2002

A quick trip to the grocery netted us with cranberries and kumquats,the garden store for paper whites, Amaryllis flowers and small Cypress trees.

Mister man got thirsty!

After all our decorating and running about was done Mister Mandecide it was time for a little eggnog….laced of course!

My image

I even netted these funky green flowers from the grocerystore, they look just like moss in flower form. I have no idea what these guysare called but love them! Yes they are intensely green.

So what’s your personal style full blown decorating ornatures offering?

Splash of color...Need your opinion

2011-12-11T13:10:00.000-08:00

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles 2010

Can we talk? Lately I’ve seen rooms in magazines that have a simple pop of color, a pop of color that says look at me! Mainly a rustic orange/tomato a color I happen to love and seems to be a simpler, fresher version of red.

Carrier and Company

It’s used on everything from drapes, lampshades, wallhangings to upholstery.

Carrier and Company

The bright vibrant color is tempered by cooler more neutralcolors……

Elle Decor

Giving a room a focal point to draw the eye in and add a bit ofwarmth.

Traditional Home

Veranda

But as you can see it can still be a bit of a bold color

Traditional Home

But warms a room up so much

Atlanta Lifestyles & Homes

Veranda

My image

Being a textile dealer I get rollsof fabrics shipped to me to use in my business. So when I received this roll of rustic orange silk velvet I had no idea what I was going to use it on sinceantique textiles don’t come in this color. Then it happened, a yard salebeckoned me and a chair was purchased for the sum of $25 but with the most Godawful 1940’s flowered fabric so an idea struck me……

My image

Cover the chair in the tomato red silk velvet! (Please ignore the sage green wall colorbecause that color is going in January and will be replaced with a lovely gray.)The color was a bit bold and really had a POW factor so I tried to tame thecolor a bit with an antique tapestry pillow. But I don’t know while beautifulthe chair is sort of screaming at me. So what do you think keep it or recover it?

Through the years.....it's somebody's birthday!

2011-12-04T12:27:00.000-08:00

Mister man at first meeting with Dylan

Nope not mister man’s birthday it’s Dylan’s and he’s fiveyears young! This picture is from our first meeting with Dylan at six weeks ofage. We had decided that since I was going to be the main caregiver we would let the puppy do the choosing rather than us. Dylan was all over me in ananosecond and it’s been love ever since.

We call this picture "the magic of Dylan"

Dylan dog at eight weeks old his first week at his new homein February 2006.

awkward stage at 4 months

Never in our wildest imaginations did we think Dylan wouldgrow so fast and go through an awkward stage like children do. This is prettymuch close to the last time we were able to pick him up and carry him about.

Dylan proved to be a fast learner but was also full of highjinx. Believe it or not but he never once chewed shoes, he never chewed anythingin our home except his toys. Here he was simply being silly and had swiped hisDad’s shoe while mister man was putting on the other.

first swim

Dylan’s first time out swimming his first summer and whilehe did well he isn’t much of a swimmer he prefers to wade out into the deepwater and then proceed to drink it.

prizefighter puppy

Like children you always have to watch what goes into apuppy’s mouth. Mister man was out in the yard walking Dylan when a large bumblebeecame along and Dylan sucked it up! Dylan didn’t really suffer any ill effectsexcept his face and head swelled up making him look like a puppy prizefighter.

Dylan has always been heavily into sports, loves to go snow shoeing with his Dad.

And loves tohike with his Mom.

Dylan's turned out to be a great addition to our family. One of the best things I love about Goldens is no matterwhat they’re doing life is always a party.

Happy Birthday Dylan dog!

Daydreaming.....

2011-11-27T05:33:00.000-08:00

The New Eighteenth Century Style

I don’t know about you but after our Thanksgiving holiday I’vebeen walking around in a turkey stupor. The last guest is gone and after allthe cooking and cleaning I’ve done I’m ready to laze about doing nothing exceptread a book. What better piece of furniture to turn to then a daybed.

Eleanor Cummings, Veranda

Daybed, the very word allows us to sleep when the sun is out…it’seven a spot for some serious slumbering when the moon’s high. What other pieceof furniture dictates a particular use at a given time?

Elle Decor 2011

Pinterest

As seating, the daybed serves as a settee or little sofa.

Lisa Luby Ryan

In a small room it can replace a sofa entirely freeing up additional floor space.

Sue's living room from The Zhush

If theroom is large, a daybed can anchor a secondary seating group that complementsthe main pieces.

pinterest

Daybeds work well in any room or as here an outside room.This is one versatile piece that doesn’t state what room to place it.

google images

There are no rules of placement either and using one out inthe room lends itself nicely so that people can sit from both directions.

Pottery Barn

This setting just says, “Dive right in and enjoy!”

Remodelista

Because of the daybeds sculptural nature it can easilystand alone.

unknown

Traditional Home, July

tumblr

I bet you thought I was going to show you a picture of mydaybed huh? Unfortunately I don’t have one and as much as I would like a daybedI don’t really have anywhere to put one. So how about you, anyone out therewith a daybed?

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

2011-11-23T14:07:00.000-08:00

Wishing all of you a safe, happy and joyous Thanksgiving!

Hugs to you all!

Debra

Like a moth to a flame.....

2011-11-14T09:36:00.000-08:00

Veranda, 2004

There’s nothing more mysterious then the light from the glow of a candle enhanced only by that which holds it and nothing sets off a candle more then an antique gilded candlestick.

via Cote de Texas

Whether it’s a single candlestick….

Chateau de Moissac

Or several dozen can we ever really have enough candlesticks?

via providence ltd design

Mona over at providence ltd design likes to design with them but used a unique sconce made from an antique candlestick.

Source unknown

I love groups of candles in front of a mirror since the mirror enhances the amount of light put off into a room.

source unknown

Or how about some ambiance in the kitchen?

via for the love of a house

Joan over at for the love of a house has her candlesticks set off by an antique painting.

via Divine Theatre

While Andie at Divine Theatre gives her fireplace some added flare with two tall candlesticks.

I'm in love with the whole setting of this fireplace!

Southern Accents, 2004

Candlesticks can come in any shape or size as seen here,there’s a very tall gold gilt by the doors and a very unique candle sconcebeing held by an arm.

Southern Accents, 2004

Candlesticks can even frame out accessories drawing the eyein.

Traditional Home, 2009

Or be enhanced by the accessories around them.

French Country Magazine, 2011

my candlesticks and sconces

A few of my own antique candlesticks and sconces in mystudio, two large silver leaf, a pair of refurbished sconces (I know burn thewicks) and several pairs of 18^th century blue church candlesticks.

I plan on bring my candlesticks out for the holidays, howabout you?

A picture is worth a thousand words?

2011-11-06T06:26:00.000-08:00

Mood Indigo by Vinny Lee

Have you ever seen something that makes you stop and think...

The New Eighteenth Century Style

Something so profoundly simple but elegant....

Linda Chase Associates

Used in ways you've never dreamed.....

Vogue Living Australia, 2010

Just because you love their beauty....

Veranda 2004

I love frames, even better empty frames in their purest form.

Michael Trapp's Home

The way they can lead your eye in.....

via pinterest

Making you take notice of them rather then what they frame.

Cote Sud Magazine, 2004

The frame has had a long and noble history, often being commissioned before determining what to put in it. Now the frame takes center stage rather then a supporting role.

Monique Meij-Beekman, Elle Decoration UK 2009

Designs evoke a time when craftsmanship was an art unto itself. Instead of being diminished or destroyed by the passage of time, frames, like fine wine, are enhanced by age.

via Pinterest

via pinterest

So is it any wonder that people now collect frames for their stand-alone beauty.

via decorpad

my frames & image

A few of my antique frames, an 18^th centurySpanish frame with a carved niche for holding a reliquary framing out two 17^thcentury Italian frames and 16^th century angel bust.

Frames no longer need a job and have come to be admired forthemselves. So how about you, do you have a frame or two without a piece ofartwork? Would you ever want just a frame without a picture?

The edge of winter?

2011-10-31T06:27:00.000-07:00

Thursday morning I snapped this picture across our side field intending to showyou our beautiful fall colors in all their glory.

We knew Fridays’ rain would bring a touch of snow because offalling temperatures but we didn’t mind since the dusting was stunning with thefall colors.

But a day later never in our wildest imagination did we think in Octoberwe would wake up to not a dusting of snow but two feet of snow! This hasn’thappened since 1972 and has only happened four times since weather recordkeeping here.

Poor Dylan dog is dumbfounded by all the snow! Didn’t wejust get rid of this deep stuff?

The leaves aren’t even all off the trees for goodness sakesand they’re lying in the snow mocking us to come rake them up.

This is going to put a little bit of a damper on Halloweenthis year but being hardly little New Englanders I know the little ghosts andgoblins will make do.

Wishing you all a happy and safe Halloween!

(All pictures are mine taken around our yard.)

Hoofing it, Disclaimer & 100th Post!

2011-10-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my 100^th POST! I honestly had no ideaI had this much to say but don’t ask mister man’s opinion please....;)

~~~~~~~

* Disclaimer *

I didn’t even think to tell you this on my last post but forall of you who think I’m an impressive cook not cooking the same thing morethen twice this year….don’t, I’m not that impressive mainly because I only cook twice a week and that doesn’t add up to that many meals. Mister man is in NYC a lot during the week and I don't really cook for myself. I don’t cookthe same thing because I forget to save recipes that I’ve found on the computeror I’ve tossed out a recipe I’ve printed up thinking I would remember where tofind it…NOT! What was I thinking I’m menopausal I have no memory and can’tremember my name half the time let alone where I found a recipe…jeez. So don’t be impressed!

~~~~~~~

I have to ask “what the heck is up with the animal leg/footcraze lately?” Yes I know using bits of animal form has been around for centuries butlately every time I open a magazine there’s another leg. I’m sorry, personalopinion here, but not liking these chairs in the least the legs seem off in this stunning room, love everything else in this room, those doors and barometer are to die for!

I like the looks of the seat on this bench and yes the bench works with the horse prints but the legs lookas if they’ll splay out if you sit on it.

House Beautiful

A little something for me to trip over!

House Beautiful

Veranda Magazine

Love this ottoman and while I know they were going for ashot of glam, some zing, with the gold I would have made the feet dark.
Honestly there's something about the feet on this ottoman that reminds me of Dylan dog, he stands broad when he's being tough.

Southern Accents 2004

Done right but then again this cooler is an antique.

Veranda

Veranda, 2011

I've never seen animal feet on a sink pedestal but I'm loving this.

Southern Accents, 2003

Even eight years ago they were mucking around with animal legs but it seems to work in this setting.

Southern Accents, 2003

While not my personal taste I think this table was done right.

Elle Decor, October 2011

Don't even get me started on the number of chairs I've seen with horns, can you imagine what those points are doing to that rug? Let alone if someone drops into that chair and it slides?

So tell me the truth do you like animal legs on furniture or not, I promise not to judge....;)

Passing my award on!

2011-10-23T07:06:00.000-07:00

I was honored to learn that Tina over at The Enchanted Home awarded me The Versatile Blogger award, thank you Tina! I hope you'll find time to pop over to her blog and check out the amazing home Tina and her husband are building.

One of the conditions for accepting this award is you have to share seven things about yourself that others might not already know about you, so here are my seven things:

1) I’m a bit of a klutz, yep, I have a hard time making it across a room most days and I think it’s because I’m always distracted by something else. I’m one of those multitasking people but shouldn’t be because it hurts……lol.

2) I get up really early in the morning this morning it was 4:23 AM and that was actually late for me. I don’t use an alarm I simply wake up ready to take a bite out of the world. I’m in trouble once we “fall” back this November because then I’ll be up in the middle of the night.

My image of Dylan dog

3) Mister man has always called me a Golden Retriever of the human world and that was before we had Dylan dog. He isn’t trying to call me a dog, at least he better not, it’s because of my disposition I’m very easy going and laid back. If I get mad he knows to bail for about five minutes because I’m usually over my snit that quick.

4) Before starting a project I like to do my homework meaning I research the heck out of whatever I’ll be doing.

5) If you ever want to know the best and fastest way of doing something ask me because I like to say I’m lazy and therefore know how to get something done the fastest and most efficient way. Although I say I’m lazy I never stop moving!

6) I cook, love to cook but hate making the same thing twice, I don’t think we’ve had the same dish more then twice this year, I’m always trying new recipes. Speaking of cooking I’m also a true believer to never have kitchen gadgets that can be used for one job only. What’s the point if it does only one thing and then takes up room in your kitchen, chances are you’ll use that gadget once or twice and never use it again, so don’t do that and you’ll find you have a lot more space in your kitchen.

7) I am a Sudoku addict every morning with my double cappuccino I can be found trying to figure out the hardest puzzle I can find. Even though they drive me insane sometimes I still can’t put them down. There’s just something about the way the numbers always come together that has me hooked!

Now, one of the other rules of accepting this award is to pass it on to fifteen other bloggers although I think everyone is deserving. But since I can only pick fifteen here are my choices:

Cindy at Illumination
Mona at providence ltd design
Trish at trouvais
Isa at The World according to Isa
Barbara at Haus Design
Caroline at Boho Farm + Home
Deb at 5th and State
Karin at la pouyette
Donna at a perfect grey
Susan at blooming rose musings
Andie at divine theatre
Sharon at Roses & Rust
Rebecca at acanthus & acorn
Colette at la brocanteuse
Kristi at Simple Everyday Glamour

I hope you find time to drop by each of these wonderful blogs and tell them congratulations too!

Moody Blue

2011-10-20T05:35:00.000-07:00

Viking Ship Museum, Oslo

It has been raining here in the northeast for the last two days making things dark and gloomy but the sky color has been incredible. If only we could capture some of those moody grays to pull into a paint color.

via d-o-o-r-w-h-o-r-e

via elemenop

via caterinagiglio

photography by coastwalker

via browndresswithwhitedots

Photo courtesy of Lisa Magyari

Photo courtesy rebeccaplotnick

I personally am thinking of pulling the darker blue/gray into accent pieces since they seem so perfect with browns and I have a lot of browns throughout my home. What do you think do you like a deep gray for an accent?

Stitching a room together.....Tapestries

2011-10-13T08:38:00.000-07:00

Deandra Douglas via Cote de Texas

It’s no secret I’m an antique textile dealer and as such Ihave a certain fondness for tapestries. Tapestries used as backdrops help toadd a focal point where there might not be one and creates the illusion ofheight. Tapestries help to visually expand a space bringing the eye allthe up to the ceiling.

Veranda 2008

In the middle ages tapestries had a purely utilitarian function. They were originally designed to protect medieval rooms from damp and cold weather and to cover and decorate austere walls of castles. Because the tapestries were enormous in size during the timeperiod most you see today are mere fragments.Tapestries were huge investments as thus were displays ofwealth and power, still sort of are today since even fragments can cost thousands of dollars

Donna Temple Brown's

Production was centered around Paris until the Hundred Years War (1337—1453) caused the weavers to flee north and by 1500, Flanders, especially Brussels and Bruges, had become the chief places of production. Tapestries became beside painting, sculpture and architecture one of the major visual art forms.

House Beautiful Magazine

Later in the 16thcentury, patrons chose to depict one of their favorite pastimes: thehunt, peasants at work and play, often themselves in disguise. I wonder what wewould have woven today if we were to depict our favorite pastime?

Source unknown

With a little imagination tapestries can be used in a varietyof ways besides pillows and upholstery. They look wonderful draped over theback of a sofa, seldom used of course. I’m not so sure I would use a very oldand expensive tapestry in this fashion draped over a table with items on it asit breaks down the silk and wool threads, please don’t destroy history!

House beautiful, July 2011

Elle Decor, September 2011

Love this look with the tapestry upholstery with antique silk velvet pillows.

Could you get a room any more French looking?

my tapestries

While I’ve given a simplistic history of tapestries theyremain a highly prized art form for decorating a room. Remember if you’re everin the market for a tapestry or even a fragment on a pillow I have something toplease every taste.

Hey a girl's got to promote herself sometimes right? So tell me do you have any tapestries?

Haute Couture: Stylish & Convenient

2011-10-09T06:48:00.000-07:00

Ok I’m going to let a big secret out…or not…I am nofashionista but every once in a while something comes along that you just haveto share and these dresses are something I just had to share.

Over a dozen Canadian fashion designers got together for abreast cancer fundraiser and designed some high fashion…… toilet paper anyone? Yestoilet paper that often found paper product in most people’s homes.

While some of the gowns are purely pink and white toiletpaper the designers were also allowed to use suit fusing for stability. Theywere also allowed to use rhinestones, tulle and ribbon.

Who ever knew that something so chic could be designed outof something so simple as toilet paper? So next time your in the lady’s roomget creative, let your imagination run wild, who knows you just might createthe next fashion “it” gown!

To see some wedding gowns made out of toilet paper go here. So what do you think of these gowns?

Does size really matter?

2011-10-02T08:27:00.000-07:00

I love decorating magazines because they give me ideas for my home on how to bring it together. As an antique textile dealer I also read decorating magazines because they keep me in touch with the latest styles and colors, what’s hot in terms of pillows and textiles for my business.

Pillows are consider soft goods, the last thing to go into a room to finish it off bringing in color and size can make all the difference in the world.

Traditional Home Magazine

You don’t want to go too small because then a pillow looks lost......the pillow on the sofa would have looked better slightly longer and lower.

Traditional Home Magazine

Too small and short, these sofa pillows would have looked better as one pillow and slightly taller in a different fabric.

Too big and a pillow overwhelms a piece of furniture not allowing room to sit.

Just right!

Room by Kathryn Ireland

Love the layered look when done right so it isn't taking over the sofa.

Country Living Magazine

Decorpad

Love this look!

My pillows

I’ve been questioning the size of pillows lately because I’ve been designing some over a yard long and wonder if people really want bigger pillows. So what’s your take bigger is better or do you prefer a lot of different pillows on your sofa?

A quiet moment.....Decorating with Religious Artwork

2011-09-25T13:11:00.000-07:00

Veranda, Touches of Europe, by Eleanor Cummings

When you think of room decor do you turn to God? To the legends of angels and all that it entails?

Veranda, Kay O'Toole

Have you noticed the number of homes where the focal point of a room is a religious piece of art? I personally find that these lovely old pieces have a calming effect while also being decorative. Incorporating spiritual objects bring a sense of warmth without having devout reasons.

Most people like myself collect for aesthetic, not religious, reasons. Pieces should be looked upon as art having dimension and texture.

Veranda, Kay O'Toole

Veranda, Eleanor Cummings

One well-placed item can help tie the décor together making it flow.
I am in love with this Italian headboard!

Veranda, James Michael Howard, aka Mrs. Howard

In this living room it’s the artwork that brings in the color of a mostly neutral setting.

From the same room as above

Home of Pamela Pierce, Veranda

Country French Magazine, Alabama designer Mary Finch

Designer Donna Temple Brown's Home

Maisons Cote Magazine

via Cote de Texas

Kate Stassi Design

Designer Mary Finch

Religious art pieces outside can even bring a focal point to a garden patio.

Even in my own home I use religious pieces to bring in warmth from the rich colors and depth. So how about you do you decorate with religious pieces?

Fabulous Blog Shopping!

2011-09-19T08:58:00.000-07:00

via providence ltd design

When I first started blogging I knew it would be a lot offun but never in my wildest dreams did I think of all the wonderful treasures Iwould find. Mona over at Providence LTD Design has a fabulous antique shop and if you haven’t visitedyou really should but be forewarned you won’t be able to resist!

image Providence

I first saw these framed 18^th century script whenshe did the symphony designer show house back in April here. There they were hangingin the hall in all their glory and I knew I had to have a pair but didn’tpurchase them until recently since I didn’t have a place for them.

I knew from just looking at them that they would be theperfect backdrop for my urns on the pedestals that mister man recently made forme. I didn’t want a painting or photograph that might over shadow the rest ofthe vignette but something that would work in conjunction as a whole. I love,love, love how it all came together, thank you Mona!

image Providence

The other thing Mona had shown at the symphony house was awonderful Italian candelabra there was just something about it that spoke tome.

image Providence

In my studio

So it too came home to live in my new studio under anItalian hanging. Mona is in the process of updating her shop and promised tohave it up and running soon but in the meantime there is plenty in her shop toget you dreaming!

image via greige design

Another purchase came from Christine over at greige a shop filledwith most everything you can image. I bought this wonderful French market toteand have used it several times already. Not only is it functional, green butalso very stylish, I love it! Be sureto check out her flea market finds if you want a tote like this and best partis they come in three colorways!

image via under spanish moss

And for my kitchen I purchased both these wonderful breadsboards from under spanish moss in their LaCraze shop. Angela and Renee have worked hard to bringyou the very best in home furnishings. I plan on using my bread boards for morethen just bread they would make wonderful serving trays for just about anythingand with the holidays just around the corner they came into my life just intime!

All these ladies work very hard at not just a regular jobbut their blogs and blog shops so be sure to pay them a visit and tell themDebra sent you!

Have you purchased anything from a blog shop? If so I would love to hear about because you know we all need something wonderful!

It’s officially a new decade.....

2011-09-16T06:02:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday and I’m 51 years young and have decidedthis is the first year of my fifties since life began in the year one not zero.Since mister man reads my blog I’m hoping he reads this post…. honey I don’twant a cake I want some French macaroons please.

(There subtle hints are alwaysthe best!)

Not only is it my birthday today but it’s also our weddinganniversary this weekend, the decades fly by much to fast, slow down please! Sowe’ll be going out to celebrate and enjoy a few of these personally I’mthinking I’ll have a lot of these.

Nothing makes me happier then spending the day with my men,this image will surprise mister man ;) and it’s really all I need.

But since he asked...I love that mister man is able to create just about anythingfrom a picture and he enjoys making things for our home. So when he asked me what I wanted for mybirthday and our anniversary the choices were simple. I love the pedestals hemade for our dining room here and I need another pair of pedestals up in my studiofor this pair of antique urns.

We also have a lot of leftover antique wood from our barnrenovation and I’m redecorating our dining room so I would love if mister manwould copy this mirror, simple but elegant. It’s so nice being able to walkthrough our home and remember marking each year with the beautiful thingsmister man has created.

So that’s our weekend a nice dinner out, enjoyingthe cool fall weather and simply being together what more does a woman need.How about you, do you have anything special planned for your weekend?

Something intriguing in my Future....

2011-09-13T18:22:00.000-07:00

Veranda 2010, Kay O'Toole

I know I said my next post would be the last of my studio but I’ve been a little sidetracked looking for this….Has anything ever intruded you so much that you think about it all the time? That’s how its been with antique olive jars for me but when I first started noticing them they were like this large one featured on Kay O’Toole’s patio. I’ve been coveting one for a while now but Kay lives in Texas where it’s warm and her jar can stay outside all the time.

Pacific Outdoor Living

This is an image from the Pacific or northwest area where once again they can stay outside all the time. If you notice the style of this home isn’t exactly New England farmhouse either.

I would love a couple of big olive jars but they just don’t go with the architecture of our home. Plus it gets cold here, freezing cold with tons of snow that would crack these gorgeous antiques in a heartbeat. I know mister man is not up for hauling stuff inside and out every season if it can be helped because I tried that once with some big urns at the bottom of our driveway….nope wasn’t happening!

They really dress up an entry but I need to let the big ones go!

Dirt Simple

Thanks to Pamela Pierce and her obvious affection for olive jars I discovered smaller 20” ones perfect for indoors, look up at top of photo. She sometimes places two in a room but I would be happy with one so I went on a search.

Belgian Pearls

This image from Pamela Pierce was the clincher for me and there’s two in this room so I knew one anywhere in my home would work beautifully. There’s something so right about this room…besides the antique olive jars.

Since my birthday is coming up soon I thought I would buy myself a little gift and I found the perfect antique olive jar covered in yummy moss. Yep, this lovely is coming home to my house. What do you think? Do you buy yourself a little something for your birthday too?

All images not labeled are from different Veranda magazines showcasing Pamela Pierce Designs.

The odyssey continues…..Barn studio, part II

2011-09-05T11:49:00.000-07:00

Now that the mess from Irene is cleaned up for the most part I can get back to showing you more of my studio. Today I’m showing bays 1&2, bay 2 is what I call my workroom or work area since this is where I sew and design. That worktable came from Restoration Hardware and I was a bit concerned when I ordered it since it’s big at nine feet but the barn dwarfs it and it’s a great place to sew. It also has two extensions for the ends should I find I need extra space from time to time.

As you can see I have a window to look out everywhere I sit and there is nothing like natural light when working with fabric to see their true colors. If you want really well made linen drapes may I suggest RH, yes one of my favorite stores. The drapes are a tad expensive compared too most but if you want quality and they’re lined spend the extra money. I don't need drapes or blinds on the bare windows since sun doesn't come in thanks to the forest.

I have racks for holding pillows in bay 2 and the annex since I like being surrounded by all the color but I don’t like facing all that color when working since it’s a bit distracting. No they aren’t filled at the moment because pillows have sold but I try really hard to keep them filled because well, I hate empty spaces.

I just love this space everywhere I sit I can see my whole studio except for the annex but I can see parts of it. The wires you see up on the beams is for extra lighting in case I need it and the jury is still out if I need the extra lighting.

If you’re curious about what I have on my worktable it’s a tapestry putti, one of opposing pair and yes will be for sale once finished but at over five feet since they’re large it’s going to take space to hang.

The last bay or first is my office area where I look out over our front lawn and forest and trust me with these views it doesn’t seem like work!

I have a seating area for clients on 19^th century French reproductions and just had them recently covered in really thick linen.

When I first started thinking about a desk I knew I didn’t want something traditional and knew I needed a place to spread since I can have a number of large things on my desk when talking to a client on the phone. What better then a 19^th century antique table with a hand forged iron stretchers it’s styled after Spanish 17^th century tables but no where near the cost!

I still need to purchase several things like an area rug in the office area and under my worktable. There are still several more things to be moved in but my studio is getting there and I prefer it evolves rather then have things looked forced or contrived. Winter is coming and will tell me if I need to place sheers on the lower wall of windows since there won’t be leaves and I’ll see if sun comes in, I can’t have sun because of the textiles. I think my studio is getting there and I’m really pleased with it and mister man was smart made me promise not to move in here.

One of the things I love best about having my own space to work is being able to dress my studio up without worrying if mister man is going to like it or not I only have to please me. Since this little corner is where my desk is placed I thought I would personalize it with something I collect, antique frames.

Up next is the finial reveal of my studio…. the Annex!

Getting Pummeled!!!

2011-08-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

Irene is here and we're getting bitch slapped like you wouldn't believe! Trees are getting bent to the ground and projectiles are flying through the air but we’re fine here in New Hampshire.

We’re receiving more rain then I have ever witness but since we live on the side of a mountain we’re staying high and dry.

You can’t see across the front yard for all of this…….

Mister man has our canoe primed and ready just in case.......

and Dylan dog would rather be outside chasing whatever floats his way......

He’s really hoping he won’t be doing any of this unless he chooses too.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…BLOGGERS ROCK! I’ve received so many kind and concerned emails making sure we’re ok. Each and every one of you is truly a gift and I thank you. We’re staying inside and avoiding windows but we’re fine.

I hope all of you have a safe, dry and Happy Sunday!

Studio~Barn Reveal~ Part 1

2011-08-23T05:58:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a dream come true? You wait, you hope………

Then that one day finally arrives, a place to call your own....

Welcome to a third of my studio! Yes I say a third because there are so many pictures that I thought I had better break this reveal down into three parts. I’m starting with bays three and four since the main part of the barn is basically four rooms in one that are really only separated by crossbeams.

Bay four is what I call the viewing area so clients may see textiles unrolled on the floor. Covered in a braid hemp rug for softness under foot since I don’t allow shoes to be worn throughout my studio.

I’m still looking for a small sofa for this wall and can’t make up my mind what I want, maybe a Swedish settee or a chair and a half.

Bay three is where the staircase and French doors are located and leads into the annex.

Love this mannequin sporting a 15^th century silk velvet dalmatic. It’s the first thing my clients see, along with other textiles, when entering my studio. One chandelier hangs over the top of the staircase purchased from Restoration Hardware.

This is Luna she represents harvest because she’s holding a sheaf of wheat. She greats people coming down the two steps from the annex.

The third bay also holds a bookcase case from where else Restoration Hardware. I’ll admit I became an RH junkie when they first came out with their Belgian line.

I have this thing for gargoyles they’re supposed to scare off and protect from any evil or harmful spirits but I just think they’re fun.

The inside of this bookcase is huge so I also use it for trims and odds and ends. There are trims everywhere throughout my studio in bins.

Since this is a working studio I like all the drawers and case pieces to invite people to open and browse through to see all the different items I have for sale.

Right across from the bookcase and still in the third bay is another large chest that holds textiles. In my business it’s all about storage since you can easily have a thousand pieces or more at any given time. That fabulous candelabra was purchase from Mona over at providence ltd design. I’m still placing things since I like things to evolve over time. Plus the bays are big and hold much more then I thought they would, there’s nothing like space to work!

Do you notice how rustic the cupboard is, you can make furniture look better/higher just by the items you place with it.

So there’s the first two bays and half the main carriage barn it still needs tweaking but it’ll get there over time. I have everything in the barn so I can work and it’s presentable to clients and that’s really the main object. I have to tell you there is nothing like having your own space to not only work but I also don’t have to worry about decorating around mister man it’s all mine! Up next the last two bays and an over view of the entire my entire studio.

Elements for a Client worthy home office

2011-08-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

Source unknown

Working from home for over a decade has given me some insight as to what is needed when creating my new barn studio/home office. The number one priority to me would be:

1) Allow for privacy and separation

Being able to have clients in but not in my personal home. This also allows me to have a separation between work and family and not feeling like I always have to be working because it’s right under my nose. Now I can walk away from work and close the door.

Source unknown

When designing my space I knew I would have a lot of fabrics/textiles and pillows about because I’m an antique textile dealer, which led me to number two:

2) Create a space to reflect what your business is all about.

Bunny Williams interior design studio

Because I’m in a more creative work field and one where I sew and need to spread textiles out for a client to fully see I needed a work table and shelves to keep things neat leading me to:

3) Provide a work area away from your desk where you can spread out if need be.

4) Provide enough storage to organize things.

Roman and Williams interior designers

Because I have clients in my studio I can’t expect them to stand so make sure:

5) To provide comfortable seating

Clients don’t need to move in but when taking an hour long meeting they aren’t going to want to stand either.

source Pinterest

(OK I really only include this home office because I thought it was WAY COOL!)

Suzanne Kasler's design studio

Remember no matter how big or small your home office is make it inviting for YOU. After all it’s a place of work where you’ll be spending 40+ hours a week and who doesn’t want to go to work to a place that makes them smile?

Up next the reveal of my barn studio, let’s see if I hit all my points.

Country Chic

2011-08-10T13:04:00.000-07:00

I’m very happy to announce we have a new restaurant in our town. Why is this news you might ask…because we now have TWO restaurants to choose from so we’re excited! This is a happening here!

When you approach the restaurant you can see an outdoor seating area by the river, hence the name Waterhouse.

While this isn’t the best picture, flash and my mind was on my cocktail that I just knew mister man was swilling, the dining room is a wonderful gray and imagine people in here. A wonderful craftsman/carpenter right here in town handcrafted all the tables and chairs. (His wife gives me my monthly facial, wonderful couple.)

I know this image might not be something you’re thrilled about but coming from an espresso junkie, that would be me, I’m tinkled pink! Keep in mind we don't have a Starbucks here, no fast food restaurants for that matter, it's the country!

The bar is a blend of subtle sophistication with its blend of woods and blue glass tiles…..who besides me loves glass tiles? I know it's very trendy right now but I love it.

Uncluttered décor with gray painted walls, gray suede bench seating, gray tile flooring and they kept the lighting to a minimum.

On the other side of the bar is a wine room where the red wine is kept to a perfect 63 degrees, room temperature is really too warm…ya gotta love that!

For dinner mister man ordered the venison with gooseberries

I ordered the wild boar Bolognese, think fresh made pasta, with homemade ricotta, pure heaven! The dishes come in small and large size so you may have a meal or a small plate so you can try more dishes…..scallops with squid ink pasta anyone? Trust me I’ve had it two weeks in a row, can you say amazing?

I have to tell you I’m one happy camper having this restaurant open only a few miles from our front door everything else is twenty or more miles to travel too. I hope you’ve enjoyed sharing our new bistro. Now one of us is dry and needs a touch more liquid nourishment….Cheers!

Summers Bounty and a Thank you!

2011-08-02T12:15:00.000-07:00

It’sthat time of the year again where the sun is busy ripening the bounty MotherNature grows. I wish I could take credit but all I did was dig a hole and dropa shrub in Mother Nature has done all the real work.

Dylandog and I have been busy picking berries like crazy in order to beat all thewild life that seems to enjoy our blueberries too. Dylan has this tendency toeat all the berries he picks which is fine by me!

Prettymuch two large quarts for a single picking and the berries are the nice largeone! I highly recommend to anyone to put in a blueberry hedge because they’reso easy to grow, like acidic soil and they look great spring through fall.

Some berries get made into blueberry cobbler muffins.....

Food must be shown big to torture you best ;)

....thatare just oozing with blueberries. Some we eat simply with cream on top andDylan likes some mixed into his food, they’re healthy for him too.

Wealso picked some tomatoes, basil and shallots. Shallots are the best fresh fromthe earth instead of those dried up tasteless things you find in the grocerystore.

Iused the tomatoes, basil and some fresh made mozzarella to make a caprese saladfor dinner. Simply drizzle some balsamic glaze on a plate, layer in the cheeseand veggies, drizzle on a little extra virgin olive oil and add fresh groundpepper and sea salt and trust me your taste buds will thank you!

Lastbut never least, Dylan dog and I would like to thank Loretta over at Apples and Rubies forpicking us as one of the winners in her giveaway. Dylan received an AcquabolPet WaterBowl invented by her brother in-law Ryan. It’s come in handy when we’rein the woods and there’s no water around, now I can carry water for Dylan. THANKYOU LORETTA!

My Life and welcome to it!

2011-07-26T09:43:00.000-07:00

I’d tell you that turkeys hanging about on one of our stonewallswas unusual but this is pretty much reflective of my life! I do wonder what theheck they’re thinking?

I can tell you though I love my studio and will showpictures soon but for now here’s a view from my desk. This is a view of our front forest and as you can tell I took the picture pointed down because I'm up here among the tree tops and it is so peaceful!

I hope you have a wonderful day everyone!

My Pedestals....They're done!

2011-07-21T14:31:00.000-07:00

This is just a recap for those who are just joining in, my husband, mister man, copied these pedestals from Atlanta Homes Magazine…..I know he’s a gem ;)

Then it was my turn to start staining and it wasn’t a good thing! The dark gray turned out to be very blue and I was trying to match the pedestals in the magazine, dark charcoal gray. I liked them for a reason!

Since the gray didn't work out I thought black would since you paint it on and leave for three minutes before wiping off...it worked and I'm loving my pedestals! One coat of black stain was all that was required.

Then the pedestals needed to be waxed with a couple of coats and buffed and I did it all by hand since I was enjoying the waxing process. I liked the smell of the wax and it was very relaxing. The wax was allowed to harden/dry and my antique urns placed and I haven’t stopped dancing in my dining room since…..I LOVE MY PEDESTALS!

I know the urns need some greenery and a picture placed on the walls behind them but before I do that I noticed my dining room needs painting something a little lighter perhaps. There’s a mirror on another wall that needs to go, chairs could use some slipcovers……ok, my dining room is about to get a face lift! Isn’t this always the case you bring one item in that sings and the whole room needs to be redone. I wonder what mister man would think about fuchsia.... (kidding honey!)

Dylan's way to beat the heat!

2011-07-17T10:51:00.000-07:00

The temperature is hovering up around 90 degrees today but that didn’t stop mister man from planting up a new viburnum shrub while Dylan dog found a way to beat the heat. Nothing more a dog loves then digging in the dirt with Dad and making a nice cool shady nest to sleep a Sunday away.

We hope you all have a wonderful cool Sunday too!

Pedestal Update

2011-07-14T09:29:00.000-07:00

Many of you have been kind enough to inquire about thepedestals mister man made for me shown in a copy of Atlanta Homes magazine. Unfortunately when it’s hot and humid you can’t stain and I work so time is usually limited for me. So it hasn’t left me a lot of opportunity to stain but mister man ishome this week and the weather perfect so I was finally able to start staining and the results were nota good thing!

The paint store offered up a light gray and a dark gray andI want my pedestals to look just like the ones in the magazine DARK GRAY! So Ibought a can of stain and rushed home ready to jump into my project with bothfeet. Unfortunately it didn’t give me the expected results I was hoping for.

I was able to get the first coat of stain on just as misterman and Dylan dog were coming up the drive after their hike. Lucky me to havesuch an astute husband because the first words out of his mouth were…”THEY’REBLUE”! Ok we all know that gray can look a little blue sometimes but this graywasn’t anywhere close to gray so back to the paint store.

I bought a can of black stain knowing it won’t be blackblack because you wipe the stain off after three minutes so I’m hoping for a charcoalgray. I’m off to try staining again and I’m hoping for better results…wishme luck!

We have a winner!!!

2011-07-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

I want to thank everyone who entered and most of all wishedme well on my blog-a-versary. Just think a year and a half ago I didn’t evenknow what a blog was and here I’ve been blogging for a year now. It’s been soenjoyable and I’ve made so many wonderful friends, bloggers really are thebest!

Ok we don’t have just one winner for my giveaway but Idecided to give both petite pillows away. Yes that’s right both so withoutfarther ado the winners are:

First place: Mona at Providence ltd Design
Mona choose the French pillow

Second Place: Karena at Art by Karena
Karena choose the Flemish pillow so this worked out well

If both of you ladies would mind sending me your address I'll get your petite pillows sent off.

Congratulations to you both!

Blog-a-versary and Giveaway!

2011-07-05T18:20:00.000-07:00

I can’t believe it’s been a year today since I started my blog, time flies when you’re having fun! It’s been fun because of all the wonderful talented bloggers and friends around the world who have come my way. So to celebrate I’m having a giveaway here’s your chance to own a “petit oreiller” French for small pillow.

17th century Flemish tapestry fragment

I personally have made these pillows from tapestry fragments that are centuries old, this one is a Flemish fragment from the 17th century woven in wool and silk. The trims are period as well with the white and metallic trim being 18th century, the cording around the edges 19th century. All on a macadamia colored silk velvet, measures 10” x 11” and is a $395 value.

18th century French tapestry fragment

This one is an 18^th century French tapestry fragment depicting acanthus leaves and shell and edged with two 19^th century trims on copper silk velvet. It measures 10 ¼” square and is a $650 value.

You'll have your choice of which tapestry fragment pillow you would like to own. All you have to do is become a follower and leave a comment telling me which petit oreiller you prefer. The winner will be announced on the morning of July 12^th, that easy! Good luck everyone!

More Details!

2011-06-21T15:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry I’ve been so quiet about blogging and commenting but it is after all summer time and we’ve waited a long winter for the warmth and to be outside. Outside also means I’m riding a tractor 10 plus hours a week mowing (3 open acres), hiking Dylan dog 30 plus miles a week and with our home and all the things that go with life, gardening and my business, well you get the point. So if I go quiet on you I’m just really busy!

One of the details on the outside of the barn are the windowsills. See the sill under the window it’s one solid piece of granite stone and took four men to lift it up into place. New Hampshire is called the granite state since we have a lot of it and you literally trip over the stuff.

Since we had a lot of the antique granite blocks leftover from mister man building the end walls he decided to use some up making the apron in front of the barn. It also matches the foundation on our home, our foundation is made up of giant and I do mean giant boulders faced with huge slabs of granite stone. Mister man laid the block and then filled in with stone dust.

I purchased this zinc planter from Restoration Hardware for the front corner of the barn but it would eventually sink in the dirt so mister man built a pad for it. Yes I know my shrub is small but it’ll grow, it’s a “Green Mountain” upright boxwood.

This picture came from a beta-plus book called "Building with Reclaimed Materials" (love this book) it was the stair railing I was interested in because it was so open.

Well the railing arrived and voile OPEN! The railing is right in the middle of the third bay jutting out into the room and I didn’t want a busy railing cutting off my view of the entire barn. The railing also sits in front of the French windows and I didn’t want them cut off from view from the annex. Yes I know this railing isn’t to code but there’s a way around that problem.

The code only states that the railing has to be solid not pretty to the eye so our contractor made the railing solid for inspection. Nice huh? It passed.

See how a solid railing would have cut the room up? Anyway the wood is off my railing and I would say nobody's the wiser but hey, I just put it on a blog...lol.

I got this door picture from the same beta-plus book above. I thought a dungeon type door would look amazing going up the stairs with the stonewalls.

But instead our contractors made this door…not exactly the door I envisioned but for now it’ll do until I find a door I prefer.

This picture was taken out back of the barn just look at that nice big open space I get to design for my secret garden. I say secret garden because you can’t see it from the street or from our driveway in front of the house.

Mister man is going to put in a stone patio for me as soon as I make up my mind what kind of stone and pattern. Yeah that’s going to happen quickly, making up my mind but you have to understand mister man is aging ;) and he’s only going to do this once for me so it has to be the perfect stone! (Yes mister man reads my blog so he'll see this....Hi honey!)

As you can see the area where the patio is going needs a lot of dressing up but I started by sticking a bench in already did you notice in the picture above?

Dylan dog is going to help me plant too he’s already digging a hole….lol. Up next the revel of the decorating inside the barn. I can tell you’re all excited!

Details, Details, Details!

2011-06-09T11:05:00.000-07:00

The last you saw our barn/my new studio the plaster boardwas just going up, well what do you think of the plaster painted? I had thewhole barn, annex, ceilings and between the rafters painted in Benjamin Moorepaint called Pismo dunes, number AC-32, it’s gray with a taupe undertone butstays mainly gray. Since I’ll be draping and hanging textiles everywhere Ididn’t want a blue, green or purple undertone interfering and I needed aneutral background for those textiles.

Unfortunately at the time I took this picture the only lightcame from the windows and my contractors blaring workman’s light since the light fixtures weren't up yet. I had the trim painted in Benjamin Moore paint calledwater chestnut number 522-3. Because the trim paint wasn’t as warm as I wantedit to be we had the paint primed double or 200% to achieve the warmth.

This shot was taken from the annex looking out across thestaircase and out the French doors into the back yard of the barn which isreally the side of our house, does that make sense? The whole space, barn andannex, work as one space and is sort of L shaped but you have to go up twosmall steps to get into the annex and it’s actually a whole separate BIG room.

During this whole project everyone from our contractor ondown liked to torture me in some small way and our electrician was nodifferent. I wanted him to hang the chandeliers in the barn first because theywere in huge crates and I hadn’t seen them yet and the suspense was killing me,so he hung the annex chandelier first and then went to lunch…. Grrr! Thischandelier came from Wisteria and is calledtheir regal French chandelier. It works for my needs but I’ll be honest here its not as hardy as I was hoping and not what I wasexpecting but since we were closing in on our budget it was good enough.

Now these bad boys were what I was expecting!!!! The chandelierscame from Restoration Hardware and were fashioned after 19^thcentury Italian street gas lamps. I was a tad worried before they went upbecause at four feet tall they were massive at human level but once hung theysort of got dwarf by the sheer size of our barn. Since the barn has thosecross beams at equal intervals I kept calling each area bay one, bay two, youget the idea and the two chandeliers were hung in bays two and three. Thesecond is directly at the top of the staircase. Each bay, and there are four bays, is slightly bigger then an average room if that helps in gauging the size of the barn.

I couldn’t get to the hardware store fast enough to buy lightbulbs for the chandeliers but when I got back our electrician was gone for theday…yikes! I hate heights and to take pictures from a ladder I was having someheart palpitations. But I sucked it up and climbed a ladder and just look at mychandeliers! They don’t really put out a ton of light they’re mainly for ambiancebut that’s ok since it’s not like I was relying upon them to sew by.

With everything done except the baseboards it was time to lay the flooring. Ourhome has the original flooring of heartpine wide planks. Heartpine is the actual heartwood of the tree. Sincepine used to be quite large when it was logged some hundred or more years ago,the pine trees were able to grow large enough to develop heartwood. Not any more as pine trees do not grow as big because they are harvested at anearlier age. The "heart" is dark colored. It is decay, insect and rotresistant and more stable than the white/yellow sapwood. We wanted to match theflooring from our home in the barn since they’re connected.

So we went to Carlisle Wide Plank Flooring since they have a great reputation and they’re close by here inNew Hampshire. We had the floor stained deep walnut and I for one am in love with ourfloor. The railings hadn't arrived yet as they were being custom made.

It was at this stage it was time to have ourhome re-assessed because we added on more livable square footage and wewanted to make sure we didn’t price ourselves out of the neighborhood and forinsurance. Just because you may have spent a fortune remodeling, renovating oradding on doesn’t mean you’ll get that money back out when it’s time to sell. Iknow this might crush a few people but the decorating in your home doesn’t meanmuch to the worth of your home it might only help sell it easier some day.

I couldn’t help myself even though there were odds and ends waiting to befinished I had to move something into my new studio. I didn’t care there was awire hanging down, see right above the chair, the outlets needed their covers,I just needed something in there! But in the end I had to move these items backout because the walls were dusty and the floor needed cleaning, you getthe idea but it was a cleaning job I actually enjoyed.

So after all the painting was done, everything was scrubbedand walls dusted down it was time to move in and it was only fitting that thefirst item to go in was my desk, ok so it’s really a table but hey I need roomto spread.

Up next are still more details but what do you think of mynew studio?